The Top 20 Backpacking Trips Near San Francisco

Ah, San Francisco. What a beautiful place to live, right? The Bay Area is the perfect combination of thriving city life and immediate access to world-class outdoor adventures. Of course, the whole thriving urban thing means that once in awhile, you need to escape the hustle and bustle, get the heck out of town and explore the backcountry. Lucky for San Franciscans, visitors, or nearby locals, there is an endless supply of epic trails to explore and true wilderness to be found. Whether you’re looking to knock out a quick strike mission to one of the nearby state parks or go for a long weekend escape to the Sierra, you’ll find something that does the trick for you on this list.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!